What better way to celebrate a 45-year manufacturing history in the automobile industry than to produce a limited edition special – which is exactly what Isuzu Motors South Africa is doing with the D-MAX 45 that comes with an exclusive range of accessories and features.
Based on the seventh-generation 3.0 Ddi Double Cab LSE 4x4 Automatic derivative, the D-MAX 45 gets a gloss black front grille with contrasting lower fog lamp facia accent garnish, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels with silver ring centre caps and a black Rhinoman X-pedition canopy.
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The tailgate continues the theme with a black Isuzu decal, as well as a special 45-year commemorative badge, while easy access to the load compartment is facilitated by the tailgate assist feature and the inclusion of a spray-on bedliner ensures that a variety of goods can safely be carried without scratching the load bed.
The interior, which includes the LSE’s partial leather seat trim, benefits from the addition of Bundu Basher rubber floor mats A wireless charger is included on the D-MAX 45 to complement the standard 9-inch touchscreen multimedia system with integrated wireless Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto.
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“The Isuzu D-MAX, and the KB before it, have enjoyed a long and proud legacy in South Africa, and were responsible for creating and popularising the double cab bakkie segment which is now the mainstay of the local industry,” says Kevin Fouche, department executive: Product Planning and Programme Management at Isuzu Motors South Africa.
The D-MAX 45 is powered by a 3,0-litre Ddi intercooled turbo-diesel engine that produces 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. This is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system with a standard differential lock to conquer more challenging terrain.
The standard suite of safety features is carried through to this limited edition model, including driver and passenger front crash bags, side bags, curtain bags, a driver’s knee bag and the far-side bag between the front seats.
Active safety features include anti-lock braking with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Trailer Sway Control.
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The Isuzu bakkie range is credited with numerous innovations over the years, including becoming the first pick-up to feature rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension, all the way back in 1981 – the same year that the second-generation model was launched, known as the KB25 LWB and KB41.
The third-generation KB debuted in 1989 as the first of a new body shape built by Delta Motor Corporation, which had taken over the Isuzu brand from GM. Having already sold more than 80 000 units by this stage, the third-generation range comprised an even wider line-up comprising the KB160 Base and Fleetside, the KB230 and KB250D in short-wheelbase, long-wheelbase and upmarket LE specification, plus four-wheel drive versions.
In 1993 the Turbo Blazer version of the KB was launched. Developed locally by the Engineering Centre team, it was the first time a South African manufacturer offered a turbo-charged petrol-engined bakkie.
Isuzu followed this up by creating the double cab segment the same year with the introduction of the four-door version of the KB260 LE 4x4 and KB280DT – an industry first that set the groundwork for what is now one of the most popular segments of the new vehicle industry in South Africa.
In 1997 the fourth-generation Isuzu KB was launched, and the KB unsurprisingly became the top-selling one-ton bakkie in the country, a position it held for two consecutive years. Having returned to South Africa, General Motors invested R500-million into tooling and facilities for the fifth-generation Isuzu KB which was launched in 2004.
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On 1 January 2018, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSA) was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited – the first outside of Japan – employing 1 000 South Africans directly and 25 000 people across the value chain. The KB name was subsequently dropped in favour of D-MAX to align with Isuzu’s global naming conventions.
In 2019 Isuzu then consolidated its Bakkie and Truck operations, relocating to the IMSA headquarters in Struandale, Gqeberha. Later that year it was announced that Isuzu Motors Limited would be investing R1,2-billion in the South African operations for the seventh-generation D-MAX.
Production of the all-new model range commenced in 2022 in both LHD and RHD configurations for export markets. In addition to an extensive range of seventh-generation models, Isuzu continued production of selected GEN 6 models, thus offering a more affordable alternative in the highly competitive bakkie segment.
Pricing
D-MAX 45 3.0 Ddi D/Cab 4x4 AT: R906 100
Colin Windell
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